H.—2o.

Paparua Prison. (Superintendent, Mr. W. T. Leggett.) At the commencement of tie year there were 156 males in custody. During the year 601 males were received, and 603 males were discharged or otherwise disposed of, leaving 154 males in custody at the end of the year. The daily average number of prisoners was 151-94 as against 173-14 in the year 1932. The greatest number of prisoners in custody at any one time during the year was 169 males and the least number 135 males. The health of,the prisoners has been good, there being few cases of illness and no deaths occurring in the prison. There were seven males received into custody suffering from venereal disease, these cases requiring segregation and lengthy curative treatment. There were seven cases requiring treatment in the public hospital, and, of these, three were suffering from disabilities evident on reception. Of the others, one suffering from kidney trouble was the only one of a serious nature and he has since made a good recovery. The conduct of the prisoners has again been good, there being no escapes or attempted escapes during the year. Disciplinary punishment by Visiting Justices was necessary in eighteen cases of a minor nature and disciplinary correction by loss of privileges was necessary in eleven cases dealt with by the Superintendent. The prisoners, with few exceptions, have worked well and have mostly been employed at farming pursuits, gardening, road forming and maintenance, manufacture of concrete products, and the production of sand and gravel. In co-operation with the Paparua County Council 76 chains of road were formed to give shorter access to the prison from the Main South Highway, thereby effecting a saving of two miles and a half for the return trip to Christchurch for the police and prison vehicles. Market-gardening and poultry-raising have been continued, giving ample supplies of vegetables, eggs, and poultry for inter-departmental use. In connection with farming operations the Farm Manager (Mr. H. J. S. Wilson) reports having experienced this year the worst of a series of dry seasons, but, nevertheless, reasonably good progress and results have been shown. The Corriedale sheep flock of 1,100 produced an average of 10-6 lb. per fleece, as against 12-5 lb. in the previous years. The lambing percentage was 107, and, as in previous years, special attention has been given to early lambs for the market. This year these realized top prices up to 325. 10d., this being the highest price obtained in the market for the season. The cereal crops harvested were exceptionally good, the oats yielding 70 bushels per acre, wheat 53 bushels, and peas 54 bushels. Drought conditions accounted for a poor yield of potatoes and the root crops were also adversely affected and not up to the usual standard. The pig section has been kept down to a minimum owing to poor prices for porkers and baconers, and latterly young stock have been disposed of as weaners, this being considered the most profitable method. In cultivation a further 100 acres of light shingly land has been sown in lucerne, and this policy is being pursued with an additional 40 acres during the coming season. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners has received the close attention of visiting clergymen of the various denominations. Regular Sunday services have been held and individual visits given. The monthly Mission service has also been continued during the year. Concerts have been given monthly by Mrs. J. C. Holmes and friends, and these have been fully appreciated by the men. The Workers' Educational Association have again arranged the Saturday evening lectures during the winter months, and these have proved both interesting and instructive. The work of the institutional school under the direction of Mr. R. G. Hampton, M.A., is giving good results. In conclusion, I desire to mention that the officers of the prison as a body have performed their duties very satisfactorily, the keen interest of the officers in charge of sectional work giving excellent results. While maintaining strict discipline, it is owing to their fair and conscientious treatment, tact, and judgment in dealing with their charges that so few punishments have been necessary. Rangipo Prison. (Officer in Charge, Mr. A. Banks.) At the beginning of the year there were 44 males in custody ; during the year 38 were received, 29 discharged, and 9 transferred to other prisons, leaving 44 males in custody on the 31st December, 1933. One man escaped twice, but was recaptured on each occasion. Two men attempted to escape and were transferred to Auckland Prison. The general health of the prisoners has been good, and their conduct and industry satisfactory. The spiritual welfare of the prisoners was provided for by the Rev. G. A. G. Griffin, Rev. Father Langerwerf, Rev. J. Laughton, and Mr. Moffatt. The following is a summary of work carried out during the year : 333| acres of virgin country cleared of fern, stumped of tutu and manuka, and made ready for ploughing ; 193J acres ploughed and hariowed ; 425 acres sown down in permanent pasture ; 124 acres of temporary pasture converted to permanent pasture ; 50 acres of turnips and 20 acres of oats sown ; 2,216 acres top-dressed ; 246 chains of fencing erected ; and 7,000 posts split for fencing. The vegetable garden has been a success, sufficient vegetables for prison requirements being grown. The officers carried out their duties in a most satisfactory manner. Waikune Prison (Roadmaking Camp), Erua. (Officer in Charge : Mr. P. McGrath.) At the commencement of the year there were 74 male prisoners in custody. During the year 99 were received, whilst 79 were released or otherwise disposed of, leaving in custody on the night of the 31st December, 1933, 94 male prisoners. The daily average throughout the year was 91-72 males.

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